Spyder Performante & LP550-2

For a glimpse at how far Lamborghini’s most popular model (in history) has come in its nine years, consider the most extreme examples of the Gallardo spectrum: the entry-level LP550-2 and the range-topping LP570-4 Spyder Performante. These variants book-end the seven-model Gallardo lineup, revealing a surprising breadth of both performance and personality.

With its $194000 sticker price, the rear-drive LP550-2 is Lamborghini’s most affordable offering. Its milder manner came through during our track test and a brief jaunt through Malibu’s tortuous canyons: sure, the mid-mounted V10 wails with a delicious roar, but seat time suggests it has a tamer temperament – the steering is on the slower side, brakes are progressive and slightly soft, while its suspension, although tight, soaks up more irregularities than you might expect.

Driving the LP550-2 hard, the trademark Gallardo understeer reveals itself in slower turns. But things can get interesting in a medium- or high-speed sweeper. Thanks to 550 metric horsepower pummeling the rubber, and 80 lb less than its AWD equivalent, the LP550-2 changes direction incrementally more quickly, its aerodynamic enhancements counteracting the car’s revised dynamic traits.

Perhaps it’s not as responsive as its razor-sharp stablemates, but this cut-price coupe tosses its weight around nicely, with obedient corrections to steering input and massive mid-corner grip.

Spyder Performante
At the other extreme, the $250100 LP570-4 Spyder Performante reveals a meaner animal. The supple leather is replaced by large expanses of carbon fiber, with alcantara ornamenting the steering wheel and dash. All this lends the cabin a racecar-feel – perhaps not surprising given what Lamborghini learned from its Blancpain Super Trofeo spec series.

The seats are form fitting, carbon-backed buckets, while the ragtop lets in a snarlier exhaust note from the 570hp mill.

Essentially it’s a drop-top version of the LP570-4 Superleggera coupe, but the Performante feels taut and focused, even at low speeds. Its steering conveys more information from the pavement and throttle response reveals a more aggressive state of tune.

Traces of the Gallardo’s trademark plowing still appear in slower turns, but the Spyder Performante comes alive when driven closer to its limits: high speed is rewarded with more transparent weight transfer and clearer communication. It’s AWD setup enables tail slides, ever so delectably, during mid-corner throttle lifts. You’ll never confuse the edgy Performante with its milder Audi R8 alter ego, though, which is a wonderful thing for the German-owned brand.

Is the LP550-2 a secret sleeper, or is the Spyder Performante the gotta-have-it flagship? After sampling both back-to-back, we’re reluctant to recommend the RWD coupe in light of the latter’s stimulant-laced responses. But considering the first generation Gallardo is in its twilight, the exotic car shopper might hold onto their quarter-million dollars and see what’s lurking around the next apex.